Sir Robin Yearwood
The House of Representatives will convene a special session at the Parliament Chambers this morning, Wednesday, February 18, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Sir Robin Yearwood’s service as a Member of Parliament.
Sir Robin was first elected to the House of Representatives on February 18, 1976, under the banner of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), then led by Vere Cornwall Bird. His election came at a pivotal time in the nation’s political history, as Bird returned to Parliament following the Labour Party’s defeat by the Progressive Labour Movement (PLM) in 1971.
Over the past five decades, Sir Robin has successfully retained his seat in every general election, earning distinction as the longest-serving elected parliamentarian not only in the Caribbean but across the Commonwealth.
Throughout his tenure, he has held several key ministerial portfolios, including finance, agriculture, aviation, utilities, and energy. His contributions have spanned critical periods of national development, economic transition, and infrastructure expansion in Antigua and Barbuda.
Today’s ceremonial sitting will include tributes from members of both sides of the House. The Governor General, Sir Rodney Williams, is also expected to attend and deliver remarks in honour of Sir Robin’s milestone.
Proceedings will begin with the formal entry of the Speaker, followed by prayers and the adoption of a motion to amend the Order Paper in accordance with the Standing Orders, paving the way for the commemorative tributes.
I grew up hearing Sir Robin’s name in every election cycle. It feels strange to think an entire generation has only known him as their MP. That says something about loyalty and political staying power.
Politics aside, you can’t deny the man has been a fixture in our nation’s story. That kind of endurance takes commitment.
50 years and still going? Wow.
Congratulations Sir Robin. History books will mention this.
50 years is a blessing and a responsibility. May his legacy live on and I hope the next chapter of his life focuses on mentorship.
Love him or criticize him, Sir Robin has outlasted many political eras. That’s something.
This was a very kind gesture on the part of the government